Perseid meteor shower reaches peak: When and where to catch a glimpse
The annual Perseid meteor shower is set to reach its peak, offering skywatchers the chance to see up to 100 shooting stars per hour. This year's event is particularly notable due to a new moon, which provides optimal dark-sky conditions for viewing.
Why it matters
The Perseids represent one of the most significant and accessible annual astronomical events, providing a rare opportunity for the public to engage with celestial phenomena.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, This year's Perseid peak coincides with a new moon, so there will be no bright moonlight to obscure meteors
The best annual meteor shower has once again returned to our skies, and the Perseids dazzling display is set to peak on Wednesday night.
But skywatchers will be treated to not one, but two, impressive astronomical events within just a few hours of each other.
A deep partial solar eclipse will be also visible in the UK in the early evening before the Sun sets and the stars emerge. While the two events are unrelated, their timing makes for an exceptional night of stargazing.
Astronomer Dr Becky Smethurst said it was "the perfect cosmic coincidence of events".
Here is when to look up and where you will have the best views of the meteor shower.
Where to see the biggest solar eclipse since 1999
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